An extended lumped-element model and parameter estimation technique to predict loudspeaker responses with possible surround-dip effects

J Acoust Soc Am. 2013 Nov;134(5):3580-93. doi: 10.1121/1.4820886.

Abstract

Lumped-element models have long been used to estimate the basic vibration and radiation characteristics of moving-coil loudspeakers. The classical low-frequency model combines and simplifies several important driver elements, predicting only a single mechanical resonance wherein the diaphragm (e.g., cone and dust cap) and the inner portion of the surround move together as an effective piston. Even if the diaphragm maintains piston-like motion with increasing frequency, the flexible surround eventually vibrates out of phase, producing another resonance whereby a noticeable "surround dip" may occur in the radiated pressure spectrum. The classical model is unable to predict this behavior. This paper explores an extended lumped-element model that better characterizes the distinct diaphragm, surround, spider, and other properties of a loudspeaker in a plane rigid baffle. It extends effective modeling to mid frequencies and readily predicts a surround dip in the radiated response. The paper also introduces a method to estimate model parameters using a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer, a surround resonance indicator function, and a constrained optimization routine. The approach is validated by its ability to better predict on-axis pressure responses of several baffled loudspeakers in an anechoic environment.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics / instrumentation*
  • Amplifiers, Electronic*
  • Doppler Effect
  • Equipment Design
  • Lasers
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Motion
  • Pressure
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Sound Spectrography
  • Sound*
  • Time Factors
  • Transducers, Pressure*
  • Vibration